The OPEC International Development Fund (OPEC Fund) will commit a record US$3.2 billion to development projects in 2025, the highest annual amount in the organization’s history and an increase of 39% from the previous year.
The results, delivered through 76 operations around the world, reflect strong performance as the OPEC Fund celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 and the need for development financing increases.
This record performance underscores the growing role of the OPEC Fund in supporting partner countries to strengthen economic resilience, close critical infrastructure gaps, enhance food security, promote energy access, and address climate-related challenges.
OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid al-Falifah said: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, the OPEC Fund does this from a position of strength. Our performance in 2025 demonstrates not only our scale, but also the maturity of the institution, the trust of our partners, and the trust of our members and investors. Based on 50 years of experience, we are focused on lending that moves quickly, reaches further, and has a lasting impact on people and communities.”
In 2025, OPEC funds signed 35 public sector projects, 26 private sector projects and 15 grants across the financing window.
Public sector efforts supported government-led reforms, infrastructure investment, the delivery of essential services and global trade. Private sector operations through financial institutions and corporate lending fostered private sector growth, job creation, and trade finance. Grant financing amounted to approximately US$7 million and supported humanitarian relief, energy access, and priority social sectors.
Loans in 2025 were concentrated in areas with high development impact. Transportation and infrastructure accounted for the largest share, with approximately $900 million invested in improving connectivity and logistics. Policy financing totaled USD 865 million and supported macroeconomic stability and reform implementation. The trade finance and finance sector’s combined operations exceeded US$800 million, facilitating access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the flow of essential goods. Additional investments supported agriculture and food systems, energy, water and sanitation, health and education, reflecting the OPEC Fund’s multisectoral mission and strategic priorities.
The OPEC Fund’s 2025 commitment also reflects a broad geographic scope, with a focus on regions facing the most acute development needs. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the largest share, with East and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa together amounting to about US$1.2 billion, or about 36 per cent of total financing, supporting infrastructure, economic resilience and essential services.
The Middle East, Europe and Central Asia received approximately US$849 million (approximately 26 percent), reflecting continued commitment to infrastructure investment and policy-based operations. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for approximately US$556 million (approximately 17 percent), and Asia-Pacific received approximately US$491 million (approximately 15 percent). The remaining efforts supported multi-regional and global operations.
